Cutlery dispenser and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/336,733, filed on Jul. 21, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/858,199, filed on Jul. 25, 2013, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to disposable cutlery and moreparticularly to a cutlery dispenser and related methods for dispensingwrapped disposable cutlery.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disposable cutlery may be provided as a less expensive alternative toreusable cutlery, for example, at eating facilities or social gatheringswhere it is undesirable or cost prohibitive to clean the cutlery forreuse. However, providing disposable cutlery may present a number ofpotential drawbacks related to the manner in which the cutlery isprovided.

Certain eating facilities may provide disposable cutlery in loose formwithin open-air bins or similar containers in which all patrons placetheir hands to grasp and retrieve a fork, spoon, knife, or spork.Open-air bins are relatively unhygienic, however, and may facilitatetransmission of bacteria and the like from one patron to the cutlery andultimately to another patron. This concern may be partially addressed byindividually wrapping the cutlery utensils in disposable packaging,although bacteria still may be transmitted via patron contact with thepackaging when selecting cutlery from the bins. The use of open-air binsalso may result in some patrons taking more cutlery than necessary,either intentionally or unintentionally, which increases the overallcost of providing the cutlery. For these and other reasons, it may bedesirable to provide disposable cutlery in a manner other than fromopen-air bins.

The above-noted drawbacks may be addressed by dispensing disposablecutlery from enclosed dispensers configured to contain a large supply ofcutlery utensils and to dispense the utensils one at a time to eachpatron. The cutlery may be provided in loose or bundled form in ashipping container, removed from the container, and then loaded into acompartment of the dispenser for later dispensing therefrom. In thismanner, the loading of the dispenser may be a time consuming and tedioustask, particularly for a high-volume location, potentially underminingthe desirability of dispensing the disposable cutlery from a dispenser.Once loaded into the dispenser, the cutlery utensils may be dispensedone at a time to patrons by operation of a lever arm assembly, arotating belt assembly, a gear assembly, or another dispensingmechanism. The mechanics of these dispensing mechanisms may berelatively complex, and thus the dispenser may be subject to variousforms of malfunction, such as jamming during an attempted dispense.Moreover, certain dispensing mechanisms may have a tendency tounintentionally dispense more than one utensil at a time, defeating oneof the potential advantages of using a cutlery dispenser—reducing thecost associated with patrons taking more cutlery than necessary.Further, due to their often complex and cumbersome designs, cutlerydispensers may occupy a large amount of space in an already crowdedeating facility, which space could otherwise be used for alternativepurposes.

There is thus a desire for an improved cutlery dispenser and relatedmethod for dispensing disposable cutlery to address one or more of thepotential drawbacks discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser fordispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrappedcutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separablyconnected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser alsomay include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets tobe dispensed therethrough.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method fordispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providinga cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutleryband, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlerypackets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. Themethod also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packetsthrough the nozzle assembly.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a nozzleassembly for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The nozzle assembly may includea nozzle configured to allow a wrapped cutlery band to be dispensedtherethrough, the wrapped cutlery band including a plurality of cutlerypackets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. Thenozzle may define an orifice extending therethrough and configured toexpand to allow the cutlery packets to be pulled therethrough.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenserfor dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a caseconfigured to move from a closed configuration into an openconfiguration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutleryband disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefromwhen the case is in the closed configuration, the wrapped cutlery bandcomprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to oneanother in a serial manner.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a nozzleassembly for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The nozzle assembly may includea nozzle configured to allow a wrapped cutlery band to be dispensedtherethrough, the wrapped cutlery band including a plurality of cutlerypackets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. Thenozzle may include a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portionseparate from the first nozzle portion. The first nozzle portion and thesecond nozzle portion may be configured to separate to allow the cutlerypackets to be dispensed therebetween.

These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure willbecome apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theseveral drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingdrawings illustrating example embodiments of the disclosure, in whichthe use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identicalitems. Certain embodiments may include elements and/or components otherthan those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/orcomponents may not be present in certain embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example disposable cutlery utensilin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the example disposable cutlery utensil of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an example continuous band of wrappeddisposable cutlery in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top view of an example continuous band of wrappeddisposable cutlery in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example cutlery nozzle assembly fordispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the example cutlery nozzle assembly of FIG.3A.

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of an example cutlery dispenser and anexample method of dispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposablecutlery from a cutlery dispenser in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example cutlery dispenser fordispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the examplecutlery dispenser of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example cutlery dispenser fordispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example cutlery dispenser fordispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure, showing a case of thedispenser in a closed configuration.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the example cutlery dispenser of FIG.7A, showing the case in an open configuration.

FIG. 7C is a detailed view of a portion of the example cutlery dispenserof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a detailed view of a portion of an example cutlery dispenserfor dispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, showing acase of the dispenser in a closed configuration.

FIG. 7E is a detailed view of a portion of an example cutlery dispenserfor dispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, showing acase of the dispenser in a closed configuration.

FIG. 8A is a front view of an example nozzle in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a front view of an example nozzle in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a front view of an example nozzle in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8D is a front view of an example nozzle in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8E is a front view of an example nozzle in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes example embodiments of cutlerydispensers and related methods for dispensing disposable cutlery toaddress one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. Reference is madeherein to the accompanying drawings illustrating the example embodimentsof the disclosure, in which the use of the same reference numeralsindicates similar or identical items. Throughout the disclosure,depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be usedinterchangeably.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a perspective view and a top view, respectively, ofan example disposable cutlery utensil 10 according to one or moreembodiments as may be described herein. Although the utensil 10 is shownas a fork in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the utensil 10 may be any type of cutleryutensil, including, for example, a fork, a spoon, a knife, or a spork.In some embodiments, the utensil 10 may be constructed of a moldablematerial. The moldable material may include a plastic, a combination ofplastics, or a combination of plastics and other materials suitable foruse in forming disposable cutlery. For example, the moldable materialmay include one or more of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene.In some embodiments, the utensil 10 may be constructed of a recyclablematerial.

As is shown, the utensil 10 may include a functional head 12, a handle14, and a neck 16. The head 12 may be positioned at one end of theutensil 10 and may be configured to perform a function to assist a userin the consumption of food. For example, the head 12 may be configuredfor cutting, piercing, and/or scooping certain types of food forconsumption. The handle 14 may be positioned at an opposite end of theutensil 10 and may be configured to be grasped by the user for holdingand/or manipulating the utensil 10. FIG. 1B illustrates the relativewidths of the head 12, the handle 14, and the neck 16 of the utensil 10according to some embodiments. As is shown, a maximum width W_(HE) ofthe head 12 may be greater than a maximum width W_(HA) of the handle 14,and the maximum width W_(HA) of the handle 14 may be greater than amaximum width W_(N) of the neck 16. In this manner, the head 12 may bethe widest portion of the utensil 10. According to other embodiments,the handle 14 or the neck 16 may be the widest portion of the utensil10. For example, the handle 14 or the neck 16 may include a flange orshoulder feature having a maximum width that is greater than the maximumwidth W_(HE) of the head 12. In some embodiments, the utensil 10 mayinclude a flange or shoulder feature in addition to the head 12, thehandle 14, and the neck 16, and the flange or shoulder feature may bethe widest portion of the utensil 10. Such embodiments may beparticularly useful when the utensil 10 is a knife, as the flange orshoulder feature may facilitate dispensing of the utensil 10 as desiredvia certain cutlery dispensers described herein below. In someembodiments, the utensil 10 may not include a neck 16. In suchembodiments, the head 12 may extend directly from the handle 14.

FIG. 2A shows an example continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery20 (which also may be referred to herein as a “wrapped cutlery band” orsimply a “band”) according to one or more embodiments as may bedescribed herein. The band 20 may include a plurality of individuallysealed cutlery packets 22 separably connected to one another in a serialmanner. Each cutlery packet 22 may include an elongated pouch 24 and atleast one disposable cutlery utensil 10 disposed within the pouch 24. Insome embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 2A, each cutlery packet 22 mayinclude a single utensil 10 disposed within the pouch 24. In otherembodiments, more than one utensil 10 may be disposed within the pouch24 of each cutlery packet 22. The cutlery packets 22 may have anelongated shape to accommodate the utensils 10 and may be connected endto end to form the wrapped cutlery band 20, as is shown.

The pouches 24 may be formed of a thin layer of disposable packagingmaterial sealed in a manner to contain the utensils 10 therein.Specifically, each pouch 24 may include a seal 26 extending along both aleading end and a trailing end of the cutlery packet 22. In someembodiments, each pouch 24 may include the seal 26 extending along oneor more sides of the cutlery packet 22. The pouches 24 may beconstructed of a plastic, such as, for example, polyethylene, and theseals 26 may be formed by heat sealing the plastic along the ends and/orsides of the cutlery packets 22. Other suitable materials ofconstruction may be used to form the pouches 24, and other suitablemethods of forming the seals 26 may be used.

In some embodiments, the cutlery packets 22 may be separably connectedto one another in a serial manner by zones of weakness 28 extendingbetween the pouches 24 of adjacent cutlery packets 22. The zones ofweakness 28 may be perforated zones, as is shown in FIG. 2A, including aplurality of perforations formed mechanically or otherwise, such as by alaser, according to various methods. Alternatively, the zones ofweakness 28 may be scored zones including one or more score lines formedmechanically or otherwise, such as by a laser, according to variousmethods. Other suitable methods of forming the zones of weakness 28 maybe used. As is shown in FIG. 2A, the zones of weakness 28 may bepositioned between adjacent seals 26 of adjacent pouches 24 tofacilitate separation of the cutlery packets 22 from one another viaapplication of a tensile force. In this manner, upon separation ofadjacent cutlery packets 22, the utensils 10 may remain sealed withintheir respective pouches 24. In other embodiments, the cutlery packets22 may be separably connected to one another by a releasable adhesiveapplied to and joining the adjacent ends of adjacent pouches 24 tofacilitate separation of the cutlery packets 22 in a similar manner viaapplication of a tensile force. Still other suitable methods ofseparably connecting the cutlery packets 22 may be used.

In some embodiments, all of the utensils 10 of the wrapped cutlery band20 may be oriented in a similar manner within their respective pouches24. For example, the handles 14 of the utensils 10 may be orientedtoward a leading end 30 of the band 20, as is shown in FIG. 2A. In thismanner, the cutlery packet 22 at the leading end 30 easily may begrasped over the handle 14 of the utensil 10 contained therein andpulled to separate the cutlery packet 22 from the remainder of the band20. Alternatively, the heads 12 of the utensils 10 may be orientedtoward the leading end 30 of the band 20. In other embodiments, theutensils 10 of the band 20 may not be oriented in a similar mannerwithin their respective pouches 24. For example, the handles 14 of theutensils 10 within some cutlery packets 22 may be oriented toward theleading end 30 of the band 20, while the heads 12 of the utensils 10within other cutlery packets 22 may be oriented toward the leading end30 of the band 20. As another example, each cutlery packet 22 mayinclude one utensil 10 with the handle 14 oriented toward the leadingend 30 of the band 20, and another utensil 10 with the head 12 orientedtoward the leading end 30 of the band 20. In some embodiments, thewrapped cutlery band 20 may include a starter strip 32 positioned at theleading end 30 of the band 20 and configured to facilitate pulling theband 20 for loading a cutlery dispenser, as may be described in detailherein below.

FIG. 2B shows an example continuous band of wrapped disposable cutlery40 according to one or more embodiments as may be described herein. Theband 40 may be generally similar to the band 20 described above withrespect to FIG. 2A, although certain differences may be described hereinbelow. The band 40 may include a plurality of individually sealedcutlery packets 42 separably connected to one another in a serialmanner. Each cutlery packet 42 may include an elongated pouch 44 and atleast one disposable cutlery utensil 10 disposed within the pouch 44. Insome embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 2B, each cutlery packet 42 mayinclude a single utensil 10 disposed within the pouch 44. In otherembodiments, more than one utensil 10 may be disposed within the pouch44 of each cutlery packet 42. The cutlery packets 42 may have anelongated shape to accommodate the utensils 10 and may be connected sideto side to form the wrapped cutlery band 40, as is shown.

The pouches 44 may be formed of a thin layer of disposable packagingmaterial sealed in a manner to contain the utensils 10 therein.Specifically, each pouch 44 may include a seal 46 extending along both aleading side and a trailing side of the cutlery packet 42. In someembodiments, each pouch 44 may include the seal 46 extending along theends of the cutlery packet 42. The pouches 44 may be constructed of aplastic, such as, for example, polyethylene, and the seals 46 may beformed by heat sealing the plastic along the ends and/or sides of thecutlery packets 42. Other suitable materials of construction may be usedto form the pouches 44, and other suitable methods of forming the seals46 may be used.

In some embodiments, the cutlery packets 42 may be separably connectedto one another in a serial manner by zones of weakness 48 extendingbetween the pouches 44 of adjacent cutlery packets 42. The zones ofweakness 48 may be perforated zones, as is shown in FIG. 2B, including aplurality of perforations formed mechanically or otherwise, such as by alaser, according to various methods. Alternatively, the zones ofweakness 48 may be scored zones including one or more score lines formedmechanically or otherwise, such as by a laser, according to variousmethods. Other suitable methods of forming the zones of weakness 48 maybe used. As is shown in FIG. 2B, the zones of weakness 48 may bepositioned between adjacent seals 46 of adjacent pouches 44 tofacilitate separation of the cutlery packets 42 from one another viaapplication of a tensile force. In this manner, upon separation ofadjacent cutlery packets 42, the utensils 10 may remain sealed withintheir respective pouches 44. In other embodiments, the cutlery packets42 may be separably connected to one another by a releasable adhesiveapplied to and joining the adjacent ends of adjacent pouches 44 tofacilitate separation of the cutlery packets 42 in a similar manner viaapplication of a tensile force. Still other suitable methods ofseparably connecting the cutlery packets 42 may be used.

In some embodiments, all of the utensils 10 of the wrapped cutlery band40 may be oriented in a similar manner within their respective pouches44. For example, the handles 14 of the utensils 10 may be orientedtoward one side of the band 40, as is shown in FIG. 2B. In otherembodiments, the utensils 10 of the band 40 may not be oriented in asimilar manner within their respective pouches 44. For example, thehandles 14 of the utensils 10 within some cutlery packets 42 may beoriented toward one side of the band 40, while the heads 12 of theutensils 10 within other cutlery packets 42 may be oriented towardanother side of the band 40. As another example, each cutlery packet 42may include one utensil 10 with the handle 14 oriented toward one sideof the band 40, and another utensil 10 with the head 12 oriented towardanother side of the band 20. In some embodiments, the wrapped cutleryband 40 may include a starter strip 52 positioned at a leading end 50 ofthe band 40 and configured to facilitate pulling the band 24 for loadinga cutlery dispenser, as may be described in detail herein below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a perspective view and a side view, respectively,of an example cutlery nozzle assembly 100 for dispensing wrappeddisposable cutlery according to one or more embodiments as may bedescribed herein. The nozzle assembly 100 may be included in a cutlerydispenser for dispensing a continuous band of wrapped disposablecutlery, as may be described in detail herein below with respect toFIGS. 4A-4D. The nozzle assembly 100 may include a nozzle housing 110and a nozzle 112 supported by the housing 110. Although the nozzleassembly 100 may be shown and described herein as being configured fordispensing the wrapped cutlery band 20 therefrom, the nozzle assembly100 alternatively may be configured for dispensing the wrapped cutleryband 40 therefrom.

The nozzle housing 110 may include a mounting portion 116 and a supportportion 118, as is shown. The nozzle housing 110 may be adapted to bemounted on a wall of a cutlery dispenser for use thereon. Specifically,the mounting portion 116 may be adapted to be mounted on the wall, andthe mounting portion 116 may include a mounting surface 120 adapted toabut the wall. The mounting surface 120 may be substantially flat, as isshown, or contoured to accommodate the mating wall. The nozzle housing110 may be adapted to be mounted on the wall by one or more mechanicalfasteners, such as screws, bolts, pins, or hinges, or by one or moreadhesives. As is shown, the support portion 118 may extend away from themounting portion 116. In this manner, the support portion 118 may extendaway from the wall on which the nozzle housing 110 may be mounted. Thesupport portion 118 may include a support surface 122, and the nozzle112 may be supported by the support surface 122. In some embodiments,the support surface 122 may extend at an angle α relative to themounting surface 120. In this manner, the nozzle housing 110 may beconfigured to present the nozzle 112 at the angle α relative to the wallon which the nozzle assembly 100 is mounted for enhanced visibility andease of use by a patron. The angle α may be within a suitable range toprovide a suitable angle of approach for patrons using the nozzleassembly 100. In some embodiments, the angle α may be within a range ofabout 0° to about 90°, or about 15° to about 45°. In some embodiments,the angle α may be about 30°, as is shown. Other suitable angles of thesupport surface 122 may be used.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the nozzle housing 110may include an opening 126 defined therethrough. Specifically, theopening 126 may extend through the nozzle housing 110 from the supportsurface 122 to the mounting surface 120. The opening 126 may beconfigured to allow the wrapped cutlery band 20 to be dispensedtherethrough. In some embodiments, the opening 126 may be configured toallow the cutlery packets 22 of the band 20 to be dispensed one at atime therethrough. As described above, the nozzle 112 may be supportedby the support surface 122 of the housing 110. In some embodiments, thenozzle 112 may be positioned at least partially within the opening 126and may extend at least partially over the support surface 122. In otherembodiments, the nozzle 112 may be positioned about or around theopening 126 and may extend at least partially over the support surface122. Similar to the opening 126, the nozzle 112 may be configured toallow the cutlery packets 22 of the band 20 to be dispensed one at atime therethrough, as may be described in detail herein below withrespect to FIGS. 4A-4D.

The nozzle assembly 100 also may include a utensil indicator 130configured to indicate the type of cutlery utensil 10 to be dispensedtherefrom, such as a fork, a spoon, a knife, or a spork. In someembodiments, as is shown, the utensil indicator 130 may have the shapeof the cutlery utensil 10 to be dispensed therefrom and may be a raisedfeature or a cutout feature of the nozzle housing 110. The utensilindicator 130 may be positioned on, or defined on or in, the mountingportion 116 or the support portion 118 of the housing 110. In otherembodiments, the utensil indicator 130 may include letters spelling thename of the cutlery utensil 10 to be dispensed therefrom and similarlymay be a raised feature or a cutout feature of the nozzle housing 110.In some embodiments, the nozzle housing 110 may be constructed of asubstantially rigid material and thus may rigidly support the nozzle112. For example, the nozzle housing 110 may be constructed of aplastic. Other suitable materials of construction may be used for thenozzle housing 110, which may be substantially rigid or substantiallyflexible.

According to some embodiments, as is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, thenozzle 112 may have a frustoconical shape and may define an orifice 132extending therethrough. The nozzle 112 may be constructed of a materialconfigured to flex or expand. In this manner, the orifice 132 may beconfigured to flex or expand to allow the cutlery packets 22 of thewrapped cutlery band 20 to be dispensed therethrough. In someembodiments, the nozzle 112 may be constructed of an elastomericmaterial having a suitable durometer. For example, the nozzle 112 may beconstructed of a rubber material having a suitable durometer. Othersuitable materials of construction having a suitable durometer may beused. In some embodiments, the orifice 132 may have a circular shape, asis shown. Other suitable shapes of the orifice 132 may be used, such asthose described herein below with respect to FIGS. 8A-8E. In someembodiments, the orifice 132 may have a natural state diameter that isgreater than the maximum width W_(N) of the neck 16 of the cutleryutensil 10, less than the maximum width W_(HA) of the handle 14, andless than the maximum width W_(HE) of the head 12. In this manner, theorifice 132 may elastically expand or flex as the handle 14 of thecutlery utensil 10 is pulled therethrough. The orifice 132 then maycontract to its natural state diameter about the neck 16 of the cutleryutensil 10. In a similar manner, the orifice 132 may elastically expandor flex as the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulled therethrough,and then may contract to its natural state diameter again. In otherembodiments, the orifice 132 may have a natural state diameter that isless than the maximum width W_(N) of the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil10, less than the maximum width W_(HA) of the handle 14, and less thanthe maximum width W_(HE) of the head 12. In this manner, the orifice 132may flex or expand as the handle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulledtherethrough. The orifice 132 then may contract toward, but notnecessarily all the way to, its natural state diameter about the neck 16of the cutlery utensil 10. In a similar manner, the orifice 132 may flexor expand as the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulledtherethrough, and then may contract toward or to its natural statediameter again. In some embodiments, the nozzle 112 may have a unitaryor single-piece construction, as is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In otherembodiments, the nozzle 112 may have a “split” configuration includingtwo or more separate portions, such as that described herein below withrespect to FIGS. 7A-7E.

FIGS. 4A-4D show an example cutlery dispenser 200 and various steps ofan example method for dispensing wrapped disposable cutlery from thecutlery dispenser 200 according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure, along with further details of the above-described nozzleassembly 100. As is shown, the cutlery dispenser 200 may include thenozzle assembly 100 and the wrapped cutlery band 20 configured to bedispensed therefrom. Although the cutlery dispenser 200 may be shown anddescribed herein as including the wrapped cutlery band 20 for dispensingtherefrom, the cutlery dispenser 200 alternatively may include thewrapped cutlery band 40 for dispensing therefrom.

According to embodiments in which the wrapped cutlery band 20 includesthe starter strip 32 positioned at the leading end 30 thereof, thestarter strip 32 may be pulled through the opening 126 and the nozzle112 until the leading end of the first cutlery packet 22 extends throughthe nozzle 112. The starter strip 32 then may be removed from theleading end of the first cutlery packet 22, leaving the first cutlerypacket 22 ready to be dispensed from the nozzle assembly 100. In someembodiments, as is shown in FIG. 4A, the first cutlery packet 22 may beoriented such that the handle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 disposedtherein extends through the nozzle 112, ready to be grasped by a patron,while the head 12 remains disposed within the cutlery dispenser 200.

As discussed above, the orifice 132 of the nozzle 112 may be configuredto flex or expand to allow the cutlery packets 22 to be dispensedtherethrough. In this manner, the orifice 132 may flex or expand as thehandle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the first cutlery packet 22 ispulled therethrough. The orifice 132 then may contract toward, or allthe way to, its natural state diameter about the neck 16 of the cutleryutensil 10. Further, the nozzle 112 may be configured to prevent thefirst cutlery packet 22 from retracting into the cutlery dispenser 200under gravitational forces acting on the cutlery packet 22 and theremainder of the wrapped cutlery band 20. In this manner, the nozzle 112may be configured to retain the first cutlery packet 22 within thenozzle 112 and ready to be grasped by a patron, as is shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4B shows a patron grasping the first cutlery packet 22 over thehandle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 and pulling the cutlery packet 22away from the nozzle assembly 100. In doing so, the orifice 132 of thenozzle 112 may flex or expand as the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10is pulled therethrough. The orifice 132 then may contract toward, or allthe way to, its natural state diameter about the trailing end of thefirst cutlery packet 22.

FIG. 4C shows the patron further pulling the first cutlery packet 22away from the nozzle assembly 100, causing the leading end of the secondcutlery packet 22 to be pulled through the nozzle 112. In doing so, theorifice 132 of the nozzle 112 may flex or expand as the handle 14 of thecutlery utensil 10 of the second cutlery packet 22 is pulledtherethrough. The orifice 132 then may contract toward, or all the wayto, its natural state diameter about the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil10 of the second cutlery packet 22, while the head 12 remains disposedwithin the cutlery dispenser 200.

FIG. 4D shows the patron still further pulling the first cutlery packet22 away from the nozzle assembly 100. In doing so, a tensile force isapplied to the zone of weakness 28 extending between the first andsecond cutlery packets 22 as the nozzle 112 resists flexion or expansionabout the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the second cutlery packet22. The zone of weakness 28 may be configured such that the tensileforce required to separate the first and second cutlery packets 22 isless than the pulling force required to pull the head 12 of the cutleryutensil 10 through the nozzle 112. In other words, the nozzle 112 may beconfigured such that the pulling force required to pull the head 12 ofthe cutlery utensil 10 therethrough is greater than the tensile forcerequired to separate the first and second cutlery packets 22. In someembodiments, the nozzle 112 may be configured such that the pullingforce required to pull the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10therethrough is at least double the tensile force required to separatethe first and second cutlery packets 22. Other suitable relationshipsbetween the values of the pulling force and the tensile force may beused. Ultimately, when the pulling force applied by the patron exceedsthe required tensile force, the zone of weakness 28 may break and thusthe first cutlery packet 22 may be separated from the second cutlerypacket 22 for use by the patron. Meanwhile, the nozzle 112 may retainthe second cutlery packet 22 within the nozzle 112 and ready to begrasped by the next patron, as is shown in FIG. 4A. The steps of theexample method described above and shown with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D maybe repeated for dispensing each of the plurality of cutlery packets 22of the wrapped cutlery band 20 from the dispenser 200.

Although the embodiments of the example method and the example cutlerydispenser 200 described above include the tensile force being applied tothe zone of weakness 28 extending between the first and second cutlerypackets 22 as a result of the nozzle 112 resisting flexion or expansionabout the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the second cutlery packet22, the tensile force may be generated in other ways according to otherembodiments, depending on the configuration of the cutlery utensil 10.As described above, in some embodiments, the utensil 10 may include aflange or shoulder feature that is the widest portion of the utensil 10.According to such embodiments, the tensile force may be applied to thezone of weakness 28 extending between the first and second cutlerypackets 22 as the nozzle 112 resists flexion or expansion about theflange or shoulder feature of the cutlery utensil 10 of the secondcutlery packet 22. Such embodiments may be particularly useful when theutensil 10 is a knife.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example cutlery dispenser 300 for dispensingwrapped disposable cutlery according to one or more embodiments as maybe described herein. The cutlery dispenser 300 may be generally similarto the dispenser 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D,although certain differences may be described herein below. As is shown,the cutlery dispenser 300 may include one or more of the nozzleassemblies 100 and one or more of the wrapped cutlery bands 20configured to be dispensed therefrom. Although the cutlery dispenser 300may be shown and described herein as including the wrapped cutlery band20 for dispensing therefrom, the cutlery dispenser 300 alternatively mayinclude the wrapped cutlery band 40 for dispensing therefrom. The nozzleassembly 100 and the wrapped cutlery band 20 may be structurally andfunctionally configured in the manner described above with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B and 4A-4D.

The cutlery dispenser 300 also may include a cabinet 310, and the nozzleassembly 100 may be mounted on the cabinet 310. Specifically, the nozzleassembly 100 may be mounted on a horizontal or vertical wall of thecabinet 310. In some embodiments, the cabinet 310 may include acountertop 312, and the nozzle assembly 100 may be mounted on thecountertop 312, as is shown. The countertop 312 may include one or moreapertures 314 extending therethrough, and the nozzle assembly 100 may bemounted over the aperture 314. In this manner, the wrapped cutlery band20 may be passed through the aperture 314 of the countertop 312 fordispensing through the nozzle assembly 100. In some embodiments, thenozzle assembly 100 may be pivotally mounted to the countertop 312, asis shown in FIG. 5B, to facilitate loading of the leading end 30 of thewrapped cutlery band 20 into the nozzle assembly 100 for dispensingtherefrom. Specifically, with the nozzle assembly 100 pivoted into theopen configuration, as is shown, the first cutlery packet 22 of the band20 easily may be brought through the aperture 314 and inserted into thenozzle 112 to be retained thereby for dispensing.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cabinet 310 mayinclude a storage space 316 defined therein and positioned below thecountertop 312. The cabinet 310 also may include one or more doors 318at least partially defining the storage space 316 and configured tocontrol access thereto. The wrapped cutlery band 20 may be disposedwithin the storage space 316, as is shown. In some embodiments, thecutlery dispenser 300 may include one or more cases 320 disposed withinthe storage space 316, and at least a portion of the wrapped cutleryband 20 may be disposed within the case 320. The portion of the wrappedcutlery band 20 may be disposed within the case 320 in a serpentine orzig-zag manner such that adjacent cutlery packets 22 are folded over oneanother and adjacent groups of cutlery packets 22 are stacked on top ofor next to one another. Alternatively, the portion of the wrappedcutlery band 20 may be disposed within the case 320 in a rolled mannersuch that adjacent cutlery packets 22 are rolled over one another. Othersuitable configurations of disposing the band 20 within the case 320 maybe used. As is shown, the case 320 may define an internal volume withinwhich a portion of the wrapped cutlery band 20 is disposed. In someembodiments, the wrapped cutlery band 20 may substantially fill theinternal volume defined by the case 320 prior to dispensing of the band20.

As is shown in FIG. 5A, the case 320 may include an open top configuredto allow the wrapped cutlery band 20 to extend out of the case 320 andup to the nozzle assembly 100. Alternatively, the case 320 may include asubstantially closed top having an opening defined therein andconfigured to allow the wrapped cutlery band 20 to extend out of thecase 320 and up to the nozzle assembly 100. In some embodiments, thecutlery dispenser 300 may define a headspace within the storage space316 and between the portion of the wrapped cutlery band 20 disposedwithin the case 320 and the countertop 312. In this manner, theheadspace may be configured to allow the wrapped cutlery band 20,specifically the individual cutlery packets 22, to orient within theheadspace to facilitate dispensing through the nozzle assembly 100, asis shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, a height of the headspace maybe greater than half of a length of the cutlery utensil 10. In someembodiments, the height of the headspace may be about the length of thecutlery utensil 10. Other suitable sizes for the height of the headspacemay be used. According to other embodiments, the cutlery dispenser 300may define the headspace within the case 320 and between the portion ofthe wrapped cutlery band 20 disposed within the case 320 and the top ofthe case 320. In still other embodiments, the cutlery dispenser 300 maydefine the headspace within the nozzle housing 110 and between theportion of the wrapped cutlery band 20 disposed within the case 320 andthe inner surface of the nozzle housing 110 or the nozzle 112 itself.

In some embodiments, the case 320 may be constructed of cardboard andmay be disposable. In this manner, the case 320 may be disposed of afterthe wrapped cutlery band 20 has been dispensed therefrom. In otherembodiments, the case 320 may be constructed of a plastic and may bereusable. In this manner, after the wrapped cutlery band 20 has beendispensed from the case 320, another wrapped cutlery band 20 may beloaded into the case 320 for reuse. Other materials of construction maybe used for the case 320, which may be either disposable or reusable.

FIG. 6 shows an example cutlery dispenser 400 for dispensing wrappeddisposable cutlery according to one or more embodiments as may bedescribed herein. The cutlery dispenser 400 may be generally similar tothe dispenser 300 described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B,although certain differences may be described herein below. As is shown,the cutlery dispenser 400 may include one or more of the nozzleassemblies 100 and one or more of the wrapped cutlery bands 20configured to be dispensed therefrom. Although the cutlery dispenser 400may be shown and described herein as including the wrapped cutlery band20 for dispensing therefrom, the cutlery dispenser 400 alternatively mayinclude the wrapped cutlery band 40 for dispensing therefrom. The nozzleassembly 100 and the wrapped cutlery band 20 may be structurally andfunctionally configured in the manner described above with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B and 4A-4D.

The cutlery dispenser 400 also may include a cabinet 410, and the nozzleassembly 100 may be mounted on the cabinet 410. The cabinet 410 mayinclude a countertop 412, one or more apertures (not shown), a storagespace (not shown), and one or more doors 418 configured in a mannersimilar to corresponding features of the cabinet 310 described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. As is shown, the cabinet 410 mayhave a circular shape, and the cutlery dispenser 400 may include aplurality of the nozzle assemblies 100 circumferentially spaced apart onthe circular countertop 412. In this manner, the nozzle assemblies 100may be accessed by patrons at different angles of approach toward thecutlery dispenser 400, which may be particularly advantageous for a highvolume location.

The wrapped cutlery bands 20 may be disposed within the storage space ofthe cabinet 410. In some embodiments, the cutlery dispenser 400 mayinclude one or more cases (not shown) disposed within the storage spaceand configured in a manner similar to the cases 320 of the cabinet 310described herein above such that the wrapped cutlery bands 20 may bedisposed therein.

FIGS. 7A-7C show various views of an example cutlery dispenser 500 fordispensing wrapped disposable cutlery according to one or moreembodiments as may be described herein. The cutlery dispenser 500 may begenerally similar to the dispenser 300 described above with respect toFIGS. 5A and 5B, although certain differences may be described hereinbelow. The cutlery dispenser 500 may include an openable case 510 and awrapped cutlery band 20 disposed within the case 510 and configured tobe dispensed therefrom. Although the cutlery dispenser 500 may be shownand described herein as including the wrapped cutlery band 20 fordispensing therefrom, the cutlery dispenser 500 alternatively mayinclude the wrapped cutlery band 40 for dispensing therefrom.

The openable case 510 may be configured to move from a closedconfiguration, as is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, into an openconfiguration, as is shown in FIG. 7B. In this manner, the closedconfiguration of the case 510 may define an internal volume that issubstantially closed from access thereto, and the open configuration ofthe case 510 may allow access to the internal volume. In someembodiments, the case 510 may include a lid 512 and a base 514, and thelid 512 may be movable relative to the base 514 to move the case 510from the closed configuration into the open configuration. Specifically,as is shown, the lid 512 may be configured to pivot relative to the base514 to move the case 510 from the closed configuration into the openconfiguration. In some embodiments, the lid 512 may extend along a topof the case 514 and may be configured to pivot upward relative to thebase 514 about a hinge connection 516 between the lid 512 and the base514. The hinge connection 516 may be positioned at a back of the case510, as is shown.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C, the lid 512 may include afront wall 518, a top wall 520, a back wall 522, and two side walls 524.Further, the base 514 may include a front wall 526, a top wall 528, abottom wall 530, a back wall 532, and two side walls 534. The bottomwall 530 of the base 514 may be substantially flat, such that thecutlery dispenser 500 may be placed on a countertop or other supportsurface for use thereon. The base 514 may define an opening 536 about atop of the base 514, which is covered by the lid 512 when the case 510is in the closed configuration, and which is accessible when the case510 is in the open configuration. As is shown, when the case 510 is inthe closed configuration, the back wall 522 of the lid 512 may begenerally coplanar with the back wall 532 of the base 514, the sidewalls 524 of the lid 512 may be generally coplanar with the respectiveside walls 534 of the base 514, and the front wall 518 of the lid 512may be generally coplanar with the top wall 528 of the base 514. In thismanner, when the case 510 is in the closed configuration, the front wall518 of the lid 512 and the top wall 528 of the base 514 may collectivelydefine a dispensing face 538 of the case 510. The dispensing face 538may extend at an angle α relative to the bottom wall 530 of the base 514and thus also relative to the countertop or other support surface onwhich the cutlery dispenser 500 is placed. The angle α may be within asuitable range to provide a suitable angle of approach for patrons usingthe cutlery dispenser 500. In some embodiments, the a may be within arange of about 15° to about 75°, or about 30° to about 60°. In someembodiments, the angle α may be about 45°, as is shown. Other suitableangles of the dispensing face 538 may be used.

In some embodiments, the cutlery dispenser 500 may include a lockingmechanism configured to selectively lock the case 510 in the closedconfiguration. Specifically, as is shown, the locking mechanism mayinclude one or more latches 540 slidably attached to the lid 512 andconfigured to releasably engage one or more protrusions 542 fixedlyattached to the base 514. When the case 510 is in the closedconfiguration, the latches 540 may engage the protrusions 542 andthereby prevent the lid 512 from moving into the open configuration. Insome embodiments, the latches 540 may be biased, such as by a spring orother biasing mechanism, into engagement with the protrusions 542. Thelocking mechanism also may include an actuator 544, such as a pushbutton or other actuation mechanism, configured to disengage the latches540 from the protrusions 542 upon actuation thereof. Specifically, theactuator 544 may be attached, either directly or indirectly, to thelatches 540 and configured to overcome the biasing force of the springin order to disengage the latches 540 from the protrusions 542 uponactuation thereof. In this manner, upon actuation of the actuator 544,the locking mechanism is unlocked and the lid 512 may be pivoted to movethe case 510 from the closed configuration into the open configuration.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C, when the case 510 is in theclosed configuration, the dispensing face 538 may define an opening 548therein in communication with the internal volume of the case 510 andconfigured to allow the wrapped cutlery band 20 to be dispensedtherethrough. As is shown, the opening 548 may be defined partially inthe front wall 518 of the lid 512 and partially in the top wall 528 ofthe base 514. In some embodiments, the opening 548 may be configured toallow the cutlery packets 22 of the band 20 to be dispensed one at atime therethrough. The cutlery dispenser 500 also may include a nozzle550 positioned about or within the opening 548 and configured to allowthe wrapped cutlery band 20 to be dispensed therethrough. In thismanner, the dispensing face 538 may be configured to present the nozzle550 at the angle α relative to the countertop or other support surfaceon which the cutlery dispenser 500 is placed for enhanced visibility andease of use by a patron in particular applications, depending onergonomic need. Similar to the opening 548, the nozzle 550 may beconfigured to allow the cutlery packets 22 of the band 20 to bedispensed one at a time therethrough, in a manner similar to that of thenozzle 112 described herein above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 550 may have a frustoconical shape andmay define an orifice 552 extending therethrough. The nozzle 550 may beconstructed of a material configured to flex or expand. In this manner,the orifice 552 may be configured to flex or expand to allow the cutlerypackets 22 of the wrapped cutlery band 20 to be dispensed therethrough.In some embodiments, the nozzle 550 may be constructed of an elastomericmaterial having a suitable durometer. For example, the nozzle 550 may beconstructed of a rubber material having a suitable durometer. Othersuitable materials of construction having a suitable durometer may beused. In some embodiments, the orifice 552 may have a circular shape, asis shown. Other suitable shapes of the orifice 552 may be used, such asthose described herein below with respect to FIGS. 8A-8E. In someembodiments, the orifice 552 may have a natural state diameter that isgreater than the maximum width W_(N) of the neck 16 of the cutleryutensil 10, less than the maximum width W_(HA) of the handle 14, andless than the maximum width W_(HE) of the head 12. In this manner, theorifice 552 may flex or expand as the handle 14 of the cutlery utensil10 is pulled therethrough. The orifice 552 then may contract to itsnatural state diameter about the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil 10. In asimilar manner, the orifice 552 may flex or expand as the head 12 of thecutlery utensil 10 is pulled therethrough, and then may contract to itsnatural state diameter again. In other embodiments, the orifice 552 mayhave a natural state diameter that is less than the maximum width W_(N)of the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil 10, less than the maximum widthW_(HA) of the handle 14, and less than the maximum width W_(HE) of thehead 12. In this manner, the orifice 552 may flex or expand as thehandle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulled therethrough. The orifice552 then may contract toward, but not necessarily all the way to, itsnatural state diameter about the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil 10. In asimilar manner, the orifice 552 may flex or expand as the head 12 of thecutlery utensil 10 is pulled therethrough, and then may contract towardor to its natural state diameter again.

As is shown, the nozzle 550 may have a “split” configuration, wherebythe nozzle 550 includes a first nozzle portion 554 and a second nozzleportion 556 that are separate from one another. In some embodiments, thenozzle 550 may be split along a centerline thereof, such that the firstnozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 each constitute ahalf of the nozzle 550 and are mirror images of one another. In otherembodiments, the nozzle 550 may be split at a point offset from thecenterline thereof, such that the first nozzle portion 554 constitutes alarger portion or a smaller portion of the nozzle 550 than the secondnozzle portion 556. As is shown, the first nozzle portion 554 may besupported by the front wall 518 of the lid 512, and the second nozzleportion 556 may be supported by the top wall 528 of the base 514. Insome embodiments, the first nozzle portion 554 may be positioned atleast partially within the opening 548 and may extend at least partiallyover the front wall 518, and the second nozzle portion 556 may bepositioned at least partially within the opening 548 and may extend atleast partially over the top wall 528. In other embodiments, the firstnozzle portion 554 may be positioned about or around the opening 548 andmay extend at least partially over the front wall 518, and the secondnozzle portion 556 may be positioned about or around the opening 548 andmay extend at least partially over the top wall 528. Based on the splitconfiguration of the nozzle 550, the first nozzle portion 554 and thesecond nozzle portion 556 may abut or otherwise be positioned adjacentone another when the case 510 is in the closed configuration, and may beseparated from one another when the case 510 is in the openconfiguration. The split configuration of the nozzle 550 may facilitateloading of the wrapped cutlery band 20 within the nozzle 550 fordispensing therefrom. Specifically, as is shown in FIG. 7B, with thecase 510 in the open configuration, the first cutlery packet 22 of theband 20 may be positioned about the second nozzle portion 556, and thenthe case 510 may be moved into the closed configuration such the firstcutlery packet 22 is retained within the nozzle 550 for dispensingtherefrom. The split configuration of the nozzle 550 also may facilitatedispensing of the cutlery packets 22 therethrough. Specifically, thesplit configuration may provide a relief in the nozzle 550, such thatthe first nozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 may flexor separate to allow the cutlery packets 22, in particular the widestportions of the cutlery utensils 10, to be dispensed therebetween.

In other embodiments, the nozzle 550 may have a unitary or single-piececonstruction, similar to that of the nozzle 112 described herein abovewith respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, instead of the split configuration. Insuch embodiments, the nozzle 550 may be supported by the front wall 518of the lid 512 and thus may move with the lid 512 when the case 510 ismoved into the open configuration. Alternatively, the nozzle 550 may besupported by the top wall 528 of the base 514 and thus may remainstationary when the case 510 is moved into the open configuration.Either way, the open configuration of the case 510 may facilitateloading of the leading end 30 of the wrapped cutlery band 20 into thenozzle 550 for dispensing therefrom. Specifically, with the lid 512pivoted into the open configuration, the first cutlery packet 22 of theband 20 easily may inserted into the nozzle 550 to be retained therebyfor dispensing.

As is shown in FIG. 7B, the wrapped cutlery band 20 may be disposedwithin the case 510 and configured to be dispensed therefrom. Thewrapped cutlery band 20 may be disposed within the case 510 in aserpentine or zig-zag manner such that adjacent cutlery packets 22 arefolded over one another and adjacent groups of cutlery packets 22 arestacked on top of or next to one another. Alternatively, the wrappedcutlery band 20 may be disposed within the case 510 in a rolled mannersuch that adjacent cutlery packets 22 are rolled over one another. Othersuitable configurations of disposing the band 20 within the case 510 maybe used. In some embodiments, the wrapped cutlery band 20 maysubstantially fill the internal volume of the case 510 prior todispensing of the band 20. As is shown, when the wrapped cutlery band 20is initially loaded in the cutlery dispenser 500, a majority of thecutlery packets 22 is disposed in a compact manner, such as a stack or aroll, within a lower portion of the case 510, while a few of the cutlerypackets 22, such as three or four cutlery packets, extend upward awayfrom the stack or roll and toward the dispensing face 538. The cutlerydispenser 500 may define a headspace within the case 510 and between thetop of the stack or the roll of the cutlery packets 22 and the nozzle550. In this manner, the headspace may be configured to allow thewrapped cutlery band 20, specifically the individual cutlery packets 22,to orient within the headspace to facilitate dispensing through thenozzle 550, as is shown. In some embodiments, a height H of theheadspace may be greater than half of a length of the cutlery utensil10. In some embodiments, the height H of the headspace may be about thelength of the cutlery utensil 10. Other suitable sizes for the height Hof the headspace may be used.

In some embodiments, the case 510 may be reusable. In this manner, afterthe wrapped cutlery band 20 has been dispensed from the case 510,another wrapped cutlery band may be loaded into the case 510 for reuse.In other embodiments, the case 510 may be disposable. In this manner,the case 510 may be disposed of after the wrapped cutlery band 20 hasbeen dispensed therefrom. Various suitable materials of construction maybe used for the case 510, which may be either reusable or disposable.

FIG. 7D shows a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of thecutlery dispenser 500. As is shown, when the case 510 is in the closedconfiguration, the front wall 518 of the lid 512 may be generallycoplanar with the front wall 526 of the base 514, and the front wall 518of the lid 512 and the front wall 526 of the base 514 may collectivelydefine the dispensing face 538 of the case 510. In this manner, thedispensing face 538 may extend perpendicular to the bottom wall 530 ofthe base 514 and thus also perpendicular to the countertop or othersupport surface on which the cutlery dispenser 500 is placed.Accordingly, the dispensing face 538 may be configured to present thenozzle 550 in a head-on manner for enhanced visibility and ease of useby a patron in particular applications, depending on ergonomic need.

FIG. 7E shows a detailed view of another alternative embodiment of thecutlery dispenser 500. As is shown, when the case 510 is in the closedconfiguration, the top wall 520 of the lid 512 may be generally coplanarwith the top wall 528 of the base 514, and the top wall 520 of the lid512 and the top wall 528 of the base 514 may collectively define thedispensing face 538 of the case 510. In this manner, the dispensing face538 may extend parallel to the bottom wall 530 of the base 514 and thusalso parallel to the countertop or other support surface on which thecutlery dispenser 500 is placed. Accordingly, the dispensing face 538may be configured to present the nozzle 550 in an upward-facing mannerfor enhanced visibility and ease of use by a patron in particularapplications, depending on ergonomic need.

As discussed above, during use of the cutlery dispenser 500, the orifice552 of the nozzle 550 may be configured to flex or expand to allow thecutlery packets 22 to be dispensed therethrough. Based on the splitconfiguration of the nozzle 550, the first nozzle portion 554 and thesecond nozzle portion 556 may be configured to flex or separate to allowthe cutlery packets 22 to be dispensed therebetween. In this manner,according to embodiments in which the nozzle 550 has the splitconfiguration, the orifice 552 may flex or expand and/or the firstnozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 may flex orseparate as the handle 14 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the first cutlerypacket 22 is pulled through the nozzle 550. The orifice 552 then maycontract toward, or all the way to, its natural state diameter and/orthe first nozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 mayreturn toward, or all the way to, their natural state position about theneck 16 of the cutlery utensil 10. The nozzle 550 may be configured toprevent the first cutlery packet 22 from retracting into the cutlerydispenser 500 under gravitational forces acting on the cutlery packet 22and the remainder of the wrapped cutlery band 20. In this manner, thenozzle 550 may be configured to retain the first cutlery packet 22within the nozzle 550 and ready to be grasped by a patron.

As the first cutlery packet 22 is pulled away from the cutlery dispenser500 by the patron, the orifice 552 may flex or expand and/or the firstnozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 may flex orseparate as the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the first cutlerypacket 22 is pulled through the nozzle 550. The orifice 552 then maycontract toward, or all the way to, its natural state diameter and/orthe first nozzle portion 554 and the second nozzle portion 556 mayreturn toward, or all the way to, their natural state position about thetrailing end of the first cutlery packet 22.

As the first cutlery packet 22 is further pulled away from the cutlerydispenser 500 by the patron, the leading end of the second cutlerypacket 22 may be pulled through the nozzle 112. In doing so, the orifice552 may flex or expand and/or the first nozzle portion 554 and thesecond nozzle portion 556 may flex or separate as the handle 14 of thecutlery utensil 10 of the second cutlery packet 22 is pulled through thenozzle 550. The orifice 552 then may contract toward, or all the way to,its natural state diameter and/or the first nozzle portion 554 and thesecond nozzle portion 556 may return toward, or all the way to, theirnatural state position about the neck 16 of the cutlery utensil 10,while the head 12 remains disposed within the case 510.

As the first cutlery packet 22 is still further pulled away from thecutlery dispenser 500 by the patron, a tensile force is applied to thezone of weakness 28 extending between the first and second cutlerypackets 22 as the nozzle 550 resists expansion and/or separation aboutthe head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the second cutlery packet 22.The zone of weakness 28 may be configured such that the tensile forcerequired to separate the first and second cutlery packets 22 is lessthan the pulling force required to pull the head 12 of the cutleryutensil 10 through the nozzle 550. In other words, the nozzle 550 may beconfigured such that the pulling force required to pull the head 12 ofthe cutlery utensil 10 therethrough is greater than the tensile forcerequired to separate the first and second cutlery packets 22. In someembodiments, the nozzle 550 may be configured such that the pullingforce required to pull the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10therethrough is at least double the tensile force required to separatethe first and second cutlery packets 22. Other suitable relationshipsbetween the values of the pulling force and the tensile force may beused. Ultimately, when the pulling force applied by the patron exceedsthe required tensile force, the zone of weakness 28 may break and thusthe first cutlery packet 22 may be separated from the second cutlerypacket 22 for use by the patron. Meanwhile, the nozzle 550 may retainthe second cutlery packet 22 within the nozzle 550 and ready to begrasped by the next patron. These steps may be repeated for dispensingeach of the plurality of cutlery packets 22 of the wrapped cutlery band20 from the dispenser 500.

Although the embodiments of the example method and the example cutlerydispenser 500 described above include the tensile force being applied tothe zone of weakness 28 extending between the first and second cutlerypackets 22 as a result of the nozzle 550 resisting expansion and/orseparation about the head 12 of the cutlery utensil 10 of the secondcutlery packet 22, the tensile force may be generated in other waysaccording to other embodiments, depending on the configuration of thecutlery utensil 10. As described above, in some embodiments, the utensil10 may include a flange or shoulder feature that is the widest portionof the utensil 10. According to such embodiments, the tensile force maybe applied to the zone of weakness 28 extending between the first andsecond cutlery packets 22 as the nozzle 550 resists expansion and/orseparation about the flange or shoulder feature of the cutlery utensil10 of the second cutlery packet 22. Such embodiments may be particularlyuseful when the utensil 10 is a knife.

FIGS. 8A-8E show front views of an example nozzle 600 according tovarious embodiments as may be described herein. The nozzle 600 may beused in the nozzle assembly 100 described herein above instead of thenozzle 112, and thus may be used in the cutlery dispenser 200, thecutlery dispenser 300, or the cutlery dispenser 400. The nozzle 600 alsomay be used in the cutlery dispenser 400 described herein above insteadof the nozzle 550. In some embodiments, the nozzle 600 may have aunitary or single-piece construction, similar to that of the nozzle 112.In other embodiments, the nozzle 600 may have a split configurationincluding two or more separate portions, similar to that of the nozzle550. The nozzle 600 may be configured to allow the cutlery packets 22 ofthe band 20 to be dispensed one at a time therethrough, in a mannersimilar to that of the nozzle 112 and the nozzle 550 described hereinabove.

The nozzle 600 may have a frustoconical shape and may define an orifice602 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the orifice 602 mayhave a circular shape, as is shown in FIG. 8A. A natural state diameterof the orifice 602 may be substantially smaller than an outer diameterof the nozzle 600, as is shown. During use, the orifice 602 may flex orexpand and/or the nozzle portions may flex or separate as the widestportion, such as the head 12, of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulledthrough the nozzle 600.

In some embodiments, the orifice 602 may have an oval shape, as is shownin FIG. 8B. A natural state length of the orifice 602, corresponding toa major axis thereof, and a natural state width of the orifice 602,corresponding to a minor axis thereof, may be substantially smaller thanan outer diameter of the nozzle 600, as is shown. During use, theorifice 602 may flex or expand and/or the nozzle portions may flex orseparate as the widest portion, such as the head 12, of the cutleryutensil 10 is pulled through the nozzle 600.

In some embodiments, the orifice 602 may include a plurality of slits604 that intersect one another at or near a center of the nozzle 600, asis shown in FIG. 8C. The slits 604 may have a generally linear shape, asis shown, or may have a generally curved shape. The slits 604 may extendcompletely across an outer diameter of the nozzle 600, as is shown, ormay extend across only a portion of the outer diameter of the nozzle600. The nozzle 600 may include a plurality of flaps 606 defined by theslits 604, whereby each flap 600 is defined between two adjacent slits604, as is shown. The slits 604 may provide reliefs in the nozzle 600,such that the flaps 606 may flex or separate to allow the cutlerypackets 22 to be dispensed therebetween. During use, the orifice 602 mayflex or expand and/or the flaps 606 may flex or separate as the widestportion, such as the head 12, of the cutlery utensil 10 is pulledthrough the nozzle 600.

In some embodiments, the orifice 602 may have a star shape, as is shownin FIGS. 8D and 8E. The nozzle 600 may include a plurality of flaps 606defined by the star-shaped orifice 602, as is shown. A natural stateouter diameter of the orifice 602 (as defined by outer points of thestar shape) may be substantially equal to an outer diameter of thenozzle 600, as is shown in FIG. 8D. Alternatively, a natural state outerdiameter of the orifice 602 may be substantially smaller than an outerdiameter of the nozzle 600, as is shown in FIG. 8E. During use, theorifice 602 may flex or expand and/or the flaps 606 may flex or separateas the widest portion, such as the head 12, of the cutlery utensil 10 ispulled through the nozzle 600. Still other suitable shapes of theorifice 602 may be used according to other embodiments of the nozzle600.

The present disclosure thus provides improved cutlery dispensers andrelated methods for dispensing wrapped disposable cutlery to address oneor more of the potential drawbacks of known dispensers and methodsdescribed above. For example, the cutlery dispensers may include awrapped cutlery band including cutlery packets having cutlery utensilsindividually sealed within separate pouches to address hygiene concerns.Moreover, the dispensers may be configured to dispense the cutlerypackets one at a time in a manner such that a patron contacts only thecutlery packet dispensed for his or her use, which further facilitateshygienic dispensing. Such dispensing of the cutlery packets one at atime also may prevent patrons from unintentionally taking more than onecutlery packet.

The cutlery dispensers provided herein also may significantly reduce thetime required to setup or load the dispensers for use. In someembodiments, the dispenser may include a case that may be used for bothshipping and dispensing the wrapped cutlery band. The case may bedisposed within a cabinet, and the leading end of the wrapped cutleryband may be extended from the case to a nozzle assembly for dispensing.In this manner, the dispenser may be loaded merely by placing the casewithin the cabinet and extending the leading end of the band to thenozzle assembly. Due to their straightforward structural configuration,the dispensers easily may be sized for different applicationsappropriate for low-volume locations or high-volume locations. Further,due to the straightforward nozzle assembly used, the cutlery dispensersmay have a very low incidence of malfunction during dispensing of thecutlery packets. Finally, the cutlery dispensers may occupy a limitedamount of space in an eating facility, as the wrapped cutlery band andthe nozzle assembly may allow for a straightforward and compactconfiguration, which may occupy a very limited amount of counterspace.Additional improvements of the cutlery dispensers and methods providedherein will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Although certain embodiments of the disclosure are described herein andshown in the accompanying drawings, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that numerous modifications and alternative embodimentsare within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although certainembodiments of the disclosure are described herein with respect tospecific exemplary cutlery dispenser configurations, it will beappreciated that numerous other cutlery dispenser configurations arewithin the scope of the disclosure. Conditional language used herein,such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, generallyis intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, orfunctional capabilities. Thus, such conditional language generally isnot intended to imply that certain features, elements, or functionalcapabilities are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

I claim:
 1. A nozzle assembly for dispensing wrapped cutlery, the nozzleassembly comprising: a nozzle configured to allow a wrapped cutlery bandto be dispensed therethrough, the wrapped cutlery band comprising aplurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in aserial manner; wherein the nozzle defines an orifice extendingtherethrough and configured to expand to allow the cutlery packets to bepulled therethrough.
 2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein thenozzle is configured such that a pulling force required to pull one ofthe cutlery packets therethrough is greater than a tensile forcerequired to separate adjacent cutlery packets.
 3. The nozzle assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the nozzle is formed of an elastomeric materialconfigured to expand to allow the cutlery packets to be pulled throughthe orifice.
 4. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzlecomprises a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion separatefrom the first nozzle portion, and wherein the first nozzle portion andthe second nozzle portion each define a portion of the orifice.
 5. Thenozzle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing defining anopening extending therethrough and configured to allow the cutlerypackets to be pulled through the opening, wherein the nozzle is attachedto the housing and disposed about or within the opening.
 6. A nozzleassembly for dispensing wrapped cutlery, the nozzle assembly comprising:a nozzle configured to allow a wrapped cutlery band to be dispensedtherethrough, the wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlerypackets separably connected to one another in a serial manner; whereinthe nozzle comprises a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portionseparate from the first nozzle portion; and wherein the first nozzleportion and the second nozzle portion are configured to separate toallow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therebetween.
 7. The nozzleassembly of claim 6, wherein the nozzle is configured such that apulling force required to pull one of the cutlery packets therethroughis greater than a tensile force required to separate adjacent cutlerypackets.
 8. The nozzle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first nozzleportion and the second nozzle portion define an orifice therebetween. 9.The nozzle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first nozzle portion and thesecond nozzle portion are formed of an elastomeric material.
 10. Thenozzle assembly of claim 6, further comprising a housing defining anopening extending therethrough and configured to allow the cutlerypackets to be pulled through the opening, wherein the nozzle is attachedto the housing and disposed about or within the opening.
 11. A cutlerydispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery, the cutlery dispensercomprising: a case configured to move from a closed configuration intoan open configuration; a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the caseand configured to be dispensed therefrom when the case is in the closedconfiguration, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality ofcutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner;and a nozzle attached to the case and configured to allow the cutlerypackets to be pulled therethrough.
 12. The cutlery dispenser of claim11, wherein the nozzle defines an orifice extending therethrough andconfigured to expand to allow the cutlery packets to be pulledtherethrough.
 13. The cutlery dispenser of claim 12, wherein the nozzleis configured such that a pulling force required to pull one of thecutlery packets therethrough is greater than a tensile force required toseparate adjacent cutlery packets.
 14. The cutlery dispenser of claim12, wherein the nozzle is formed of an elastomeric material configuredto expand to allow the cutlery packets to be pulled through the orifice.15. The cutlery dispenser of claim 11, wherein the nozzle comprises afirst nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion separate from the firstnozzle portion, and wherein the first nozzle portion and the secondnozzle portion are configured to separate to allow the cutlery packetsto be dispensed therebetween.
 16. The cutlery dispenser of claim 15,wherein the case comprises a base and a lid configured to move withrespect to the base to move the case from the closed configuration intothe open configuration, wherein the first nozzle portion is attached tothe base, and wherein the second nozzle portion is attached to the lid.17. The cutlery dispenser of claim 11, wherein the case comprises abase, a lid configured to move with respect to the base to move the casefrom the closed configuration into the open configuration, and anopening defined between the base and the lid when the case is in theclosed configuration and configured to allow the cutlery packets to bedispensed through the opening.
 18. The cutlery dispenser of claim 11,wherein each cutlery packet comprises a pouch and a cutlery utensildisposed within the pouch.
 19. The cutlery dispenser of claim 18,wherein the cutlery utensil comprises a head and a handle, and whereinthe nozzle is configured such that a pulling force required to pull thehead through the nozzle is greater than a tensile force required toseparate adjacent cutlery packets.
 20. The cutlery dispenser of claim19, wherein the nozzle is configured such that a pulling force requiredto pull the handle through the nozzle is less than the tensile forcerequired to separate adjacent cutlery packets.